PGA Catalunya Resort, near Barcelona, which features some of the best golf training facilities in Europe and is home to the Dave Pelz Scoring Game School in Spain, is attracting an increasing number of coaches and national teams.
Over the past 18 months, teams from Norway, Finland, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands have been returning to the venue to play the critically acclaimed Stadium Course, Spain’s No.1 golf course*, and train on the venue’s 2,000 square metre approach play area and practice putting green.
Norway national coach Nicklas Diethelm says: “Although the Stadium Course is what first attracted us to PGA Catalunya Resort, the new short game area has made it an even more appealing practice base. Combined with the excellent service it is a fantastic venue and hassle-free – we are satisfied every time we go.”
Staffan Johansson, Head Coach of the Finnish National Team agrees: “Since PGA Catalunya Resort built the new chipping and putting area and upgraded the driving range, it has become a great training base.”
Netherlands national team coach Hayo Bensdorp added: “We have selected PGA Catalunya Resort as our winter practice venue because of the calibre of its courses, practice facilities and hospitality, all available in one place.”
PGA Catalunya Resort, a European Tour Destination, recently hosted its sixth consecutive European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage in November 2013, which saw 27 players receive their European Tour cards for 2014, and Carlos del Moral take home the ultimate coveted prize.
The Resort, which is also home to one of Europe’s most successful new luxury property developments, created Spain’s largest putting and chipping green to enable coaches, teams, elite amateurs and professionals to use the venue as a training base.
It is also home to the world’s first Sergio Garcia Junior Academy, nurturing the best young golfing talent and introducing the sport to children with physical and learning disabilities.
Miguel Girbes, Golf Director at PGA Catalunya Resort added: “Our short game facility and putting green has helped raise the bar in terms of practice facilities, and has enabled us to offer a unique global experience in one place.
“Year-on-year we strive to have the best facilities in Spain and in Europe, and aim to provide the best practice conditions for all players.”
Spanning 2,000 square metres, PGA Catalunya Resort’s approach play area features bunkers with five different sand types from around the world, including Augusta National supersand, St Andrews links, Hawaii volcanic, PebbleBeach and PGA Catalunya Stadium Course sand. It also offers different grass types – including Bent, Bermuda, Paspalum and Poa – for putting practice.
PGA Catalunya Resort www.pgacatalunya.com
*Ranked by Top100golfcourses.co.uk